First person – Shweta Prassanawar Free

Shweta Prassanawar

How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?

Almost all the cells in our body have tiny hair-like structures on their surfaces called cilia. These structures function like antennae, aiding in the transmission of external signals into cells. Cilia play critical roles during development by facilitating cellular communication and influencing decisions regarding cell fates. Defects in cilia can result in various health issues collectively known as ciliopathies, which include a range of complications from kidney disorders to vision impairments and even impaired development of organs such as the brain and lungs. We studied a protein called CEP41, which is found to be mutated in patients with certain ciliopathies. Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of CEP41 in cilia function. In our study, we show that apart from cilia, CEP41 also plays essential roles in other cellular processes like microtubule regulation and cell division. We demonstrate that CEP41 interacts with microtubules and is indispensable for cell proliferation. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding how ciliopathy-associated proteins function within cells. Such an understanding is critical for figuring out how ciliopathies develop.

When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?

Yes, two significant moments really stood out during my research. The first was when I purified CEP41 and tested its effect on microtubule assembly. To my surprise, when I incubated CEP41 with tubulin, it quickly induced tubulin polymerization and there was a significant increase in the rate of microtubule assembly compared to the control without CEP41. This was a big moment because it demonstrated that CEP41 could independently initiate microtubule formation. It got us really excited and fuelled our curiosity to investigate the role of CEP41 in cells further. The second memorable moment was when I examined how certain variants in CEP41 that are linked to diseases like Joubert syndrome and autism spectrum disorders affect the interaction of CEP41 with microtubules. One particular variant failed to localize to microtubules, indicating a disrupted interaction. Observing that was a moment of pure joy; it was like everything fell into place to show us just how important the interaction of CEP41 with microtubules is for cellular processes.

Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?

Journal of Cell Science is a highly respected journal in the field of cell biology that prioritizes hypothesis-driven research in fundamental biology. I have always admired this journal because, during the development of this project, I came across numerous papers published in JCS that reported basic characterization and functional studies of lesser-known proteins. I appreciate that JCS values and provides a platform for such studies. Considering the nature of our work, my PI and I believed that JCS would be a fitting venue for our research. Additionally, we knew that the journal's review process is fast and thorough, which we found to be true in our experience. Also, I am particularly excited about the prospect of our article being associated with its own tree in The Forest of Biologists.

Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?

My mentor, Professor Dulal Panda, has been an invaluable source of guidance since the early days of my PhD. He recognized the potential in both me and my research proposal and provided unwavering support throughout the study. His confidence in me boosted my own confidence, motivating me to push my boundaries. Additionally, I am grateful for the support I received from my fellow lab members. The PhD journey is filled with highs and lows, and having a supportive community to lean on made all the difference.

What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?

My interest in science sparked during high school as I was fascinated by how our body functions. I loved studying biology and related subjects. After graduating, I found myself uncertain about my future direction. However, during my time pursuing my master's degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, I saw how passionate the professors and PhD students were about science and their own research. Their enthusiasm and dedication inspired me to pursue a career in science. I found the prospect of an intellectually stimulating job surrounded by bright and curious minds incredibly appealing.

What's next for you?

My plan is to continue a career in academia for as long as I enjoy it, so my next step is to get a postdoctoral position in an advanced cell biology lab where I can explore new concepts and work with motivated, like-minded people.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV

I spend my leisure time watching movies and sitcoms. Lately, I have taken up gardening, because I find it incredibly calming to care for my plants. Walking among trees and greenery is my go-to for relaxation and rejuvenation that offers a break from the daily routine.